Visiting Birmingham

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) has been a significant driving force in the development of Birmingham into one of Europe’s most popular business and leisure tourism destinations.  Get the nitty gritty on the city...

Birmingham has enjoyed a dramatic transformation in recent years and now proudly welcomes visitors to enjoy its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It has an exceptional arts scene, superb shopping, exciting nightlife, a breathtaking variety of great food and drink, and a rich cultural heritage. It really has become Europe’s meeting place.

With so many exciting venues to visit and attractions to see visitors to Ipex 2010 will get to experience exactly why the Second City is now rightly considered the first place to come for both business and pleasure.

Discover all of Birmingham’s best bits - make the most of your time at Ipex 2010 with an active social programme:

 Restaurants
With over 200 rated options, covering 27 nationalities there’s never been a better time to savour Birmingham’s diversity.

 Bars
After a productive day at Ipex, sit back and relax with your favourite tipple and enjoy in the atmosphere in one of Birmingham’s many vibrant bars.

 Attractions in Birmingham
World-class shopping, culture and sports; Birmingham’s ever-increasing list of attractions guarantee a memorable stay for all Ipex visitors and exhibitors.

Soak up the unique atmosphere at Brindleyplace, a vibrant canalside destination situated at the very heart of Birmingham’s convention quarter.

This award-winning business and leisure destination provides the best in leisure and culture for all tastes and interests with renowned restaurants, canalside bars and three stunning public squares.  Discover tree lined streets, unusual water features, clear open spaces and striking architecture.

Visitors can savour a truly international flavour, with something for everyone - stroll around, shop or sit and watch the world go by.

The Water’s Edge plays host to an array of stylish bars and restaurants providing the perfect destination for exciting nights out or relaxed meals.

For more information on the following, please click on the links below:

 Accommodation
 Getting There
 More about the NEC venue

 Theatre

Half a million people agree; Birmingham’s flagship theatre is the nation’s favourite too. More seats are sold at the Birmingham Hippodrome than by any other British theatre each year. West End included. Still gleaming from a recent £35 million renovation, this dazzling 2,000-seat work of art regularly welcomes the cream of London’s musicals. And the UK’s biggest, most spectacular pantos.

It also hosts stunning seasons from the Welsh National Opera. And, of course, it’s the place to be enchanted by the Birmingham Royal Ballet - formed in 1990 when the world famous Sadler’s Well Royal Ballet moved to this wonderful new home.

The Alexandra is an exquisite Edwardian auditorium staging a rich mix of drama, musicals, concerts and comedy. Truly one of the country’s top homes for touring companies.

At the top of Broad Street’s bar scene, the Birmingham Rep forges ahead with challenging productions from innovative and daring writers.  Of course, there’s the charming Old Rep, the Crescent, the Drum, the Maverick and many others. So grab your diary and book ahead. Better still, go for it tonight. Act now (or you’ll miss act one). 

 Dance

The Birmingham Royal Ballet (formerly Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet) is Britain's premier touring ballet company. The Company leads the world in the creation of new and innovative popular ballets.

DanceXchange is a month of world class live performances from every corner of the globe. This festival of movement and rhythm in late Spring covers the full spectrum; at a wide range of venues - some cosy , some world class.  From ballet to bollywood; whether you want to watch or join in, Birmingham becomes the city that doesn't stand still.

Sampad is a dynamic development agency for South Asian Arts based in Birmingham. It plays a significant role regionally, nationally and beyond, in promoting the appreciation and practice of the diverse artforms originating from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka - including the many forms of dance. Through its work Sampad serves, supports and initiates South Asian Arts in all its forms working with youth, community, education and professional artists.

To attract the world’s great artists, you need the right mix of venues.  We’ve got them all. Symphony Hall is widely regarded as the finest concert hall in Europe. And the Grade 1 listed Town Hall provides a majestic location after its £35m renovation. Over at the NIA and NEC Arena, an endless stream of world famous rock and pop acts come night after night. Then at the Hippodrome, the Welsh National Opera, countless West End Musicals and the world famous Birmingham Royal Ballet offer real choice. Together with many smaller venues that range from the Carling Academy to the Jam House to theatres staging all sorts of concerts or gigs, all kinds of music have a home in Birmingham.

 Galleries

Housed in a spectacular Victorian Building, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world as well as collections of silver, sculpture, ceramics and ancient and social history. The newly opened Waterhall Gallery houses modern art and the Gas Hall Gallery a constantly changing round of temporary exhibitions. Entrance is free except to some Gas Hall exhibitions.

One of Europe's leading contemporary art galleries, Ikon is stylish, progressive and recognised for its individuality. The Ikon exhibits the best international and British art in a changing programme of exhibitions and events. Admission is free.

At Birmingham's unique Jewellery Quarter, you can admire artists and craftsmen of a different sort. You can even commission your own unique piece from one of the many artists' workshops, with the Birmingham Anchor Hallmark.

Barber Institute of Fine Arts has an outstanding collection of Old Masters alongside and modern classics. You’ll see works by Bellini, Poussin, Rubens, Gainsborough, Rossetti, Monet, Degas and Magritte. They also have a regular programme of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and events - all open to the public. The Good Britain Guide 2004 declared it 'Gallery of the Year'.

 Nearby

Outside London, Warwick Arts Centre is the UK's largest arts and entertainment complex.  The Royal Shakespeare Company - (one of the most acclaimed classical theatre companies in the world) has three theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon - the town where William Shakespeare was born and died. Within an hour from Birmingham city centre.

 Festivals

Birmingham loves to celebrate the best in the arts, music and culture. That’s why we have so many events and festivals throughout the year. Whatever takes your fancy - from Artsfest to our various festivisit the Hello Digital websitevals of folk, jazz or British Arts and Street Sounds.

 Music

Birmingham is alive with the sound of music. All kinds of music. From the world famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to new bands like the Editors. The widest range of venues attracts the cream of musical talent. So there’s always real choice, whatever is kind of music is music to your ears.